These are the same market trends that have manufacturers switching from animal fur brushes to synthetic fibers, from squalene from sharks to squalene from plants, and from floral extracts to biomimetic alternatives. When asking, What is natural? and What is sustainable?, there is no single or simple answer.

In this collection of articles Cosmetics Design explores how biotech fits in, why indie beauty is so influential, and what’s happening with recycling.

Biotech​

Natural cosmetic and personal care ingredient sourcing isn’t always a sustainable (that is to say, a reliable source of consistent inputs) nor is it necessarily environmentally responsible. Biotechnology, especially fermentation, is quickly taking its place in the beauty manufacturing marketplace as a next-best—if not better—alternative to conventionally sourced naturals.

In an article on how science is helping the industry get next-generation ingredients, Deanna Utroske, senior correspondent for Cosmetics Design, looks at who is making and using biotech-derived ingredients as well as why. And, I also consider how else biotech is moving the needle in beauty.

Indie beauty​

In her article on why indie beauty and clean beauty are particularly relevant in the natural and sustainable conversation Lucy Whitehouse, editor of Cosmetics Design-Europe, breaks down the market research connecting these aspects of the personal care and cosmetics business today. She looks at food trends, the DIY movement, wellness, and perhaps most importantly consumer trust.

Reduce, reuse, recycle​

Sustainability initiatives can come with hidden financial costs as well as environmental implications and regulatory concerns that stem from the unique supply chain of byproducts. This is just one of the many angles Simon Pitman, senior editor of Cosmetics Design, looks at in his article on re-use and sustainable personal care product formulations.